[Characteristic ultrasonographic findings of the Krukenberg tumor]

Researching into the possibility of ultrasonographic differential diagnosis between the Krukenberg tumor and primary ovarian cancer, we investigated ultrasonograms of 14 Krukenberg tumors, 14 primary ovarian cancers and 5 rare ovarian tumors. Specifically we examined in each the echo pattern of the tumor wall, solid part and cystic part. The results were as follows. 1) Thirteen of the 14 cases of Krukenberg tumor demonstrated a clear tumor margin, irregular hyperechoic solid pattern and moth-eaten cyst formation. These characteristic ultrasonographic features might reflect the specific pathological findings of the Krukenberg tumor. In only one case was there a clear tumor margin, large central cyst formation and diffuse thick solid part around the cysts. 2) The primary ovarian cancers had an indistinct tumor margin, irregular low echoic solid pattern, clear small cyst formation, papillary proliferation and irregular thickness of the septum. Taking the ultrasonographic characteristic findings of the Krukenberg tumors into consideration, eleven of 14 primary ovarian cancers (78.6%) could be distinguished ultrasonographically from the Krukenberg tumor. 3) In rare cases, only a carcinosarcoma was unable to be distinguished ultrasonographically from the Krukenberg tumor. that make it possible to distinguished it ultrasonographically from primary ovarian cancer.